Shock absorbing strap attachment device

ABSTRACT

An attachment device has a frame with two longitudinal sides and a series of lateral guides disposed along the frame between the two sides. The guides define openings through which a strap extends. When the strap is inserted into the device, it is placed through the openings and over guides. The guides also hold the strap in place so that the device does not slide off the strap. In the relaxed state, the attachment device maintains a serpentine configuration with peaks and valleys. When tension is applied, the device is stretched out but returns to the original serpentine configuration when the tension is removed. The shape and material help absorb the force applied to the strap and reduce its effect on the strap, to thus reduce breakage of the strap and buckles and reduce injury to the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a device that attaches to a strap for absorbing shock when the strap is suddenly pulled.

[0003] 2. The Prior Art

[0004] Generally strap assemblies are provided on dog leashes, golf bags, luggage straps and back packs. However, these strap assemblies do not absorb shock when a sudden force is applied to the strap. Therefore, the strap or buckles that are attached to the strap can break or cause injury to the user.

[0005] Typical strap attachment devices are used for shortening the strap or for tensioning the strap in place. For instance U.S. Pat. Nos. 801,502 to Barabasz, 3,021,580 to Rowitz, and 3,203,058 to Roing disclose such devices.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,673 to Benson discloses a shock absorbing attachment unit for a vehicle restraint belt. However, this device requires permanent attachment to the seat belt before installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a strap attachment device that can absorb the shock of a sudden force.

[0008] It is another object to provide a device that is self-contained and is added on to existing strap assemblies without modifying or altering the strap.

[0009] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a strap attachment device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, install and remove.

[0010] These and other objects of the invention are accomplished by providing an attachment device having a frame with longitudinal side arms and a series of lateral guides disposed along the frame. The guides define openings through which a strap or rope extends. When the strap is inserted into the device, it is placed through the openings and over guides. The guides also hold the strap in place so that the device does not slide off the strap. In the relaxed state, the attachment device maintains a serpentine or sinusoidal configuration, having peaks and valleys. When tension is applied, the device is stretched out but still maintains a somewhat serpentine configuration. The device could also have a more triangular configuration, with sharp peaks. The shape and material of the device help absorb the force applied to the strap and reduce its effect on the strap, to thus reduce breakage of the strap and buckles attached thereto and reduce injury to the user. The device has a memory, so that even under repeated stretching, it maintains its original serpentine configuration when in a relaxed state.

[0011] The guides may also comprise additional flaps or teeth to further grip the strap and keep it from sliding during use. Other mechanisms to retain the strap could also be used. The device is preferably made from an elastomeric material, such as thermoplastic rubber, vinyl, neoprene, etc. Any stiff material with deflection properties could also be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0013] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

[0014]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the device according to the invention in its relaxed state;

[0015]FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device in its relaxed state;

[0016]FIG. 3 shows a top view of the device in its relaxed state;

[0017]FIG. 4 shows perspective view of the device in a tensioned state;

[0018]FIG. 5 shows a side view of the device in the tensioned state; and

[0019]FIG. 6 shows a top view of the device in the tensioned state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 show device 10 in its relaxed state. Device 10 comprises a substantially rectangular frame 12 and guides 14 disposed along frame 12. Guides 14 define openings 16 through which a strap 30 extends. When strap 30 is inserted into device 10, it is placed through openings 16 over guides 14. Guides 14 also hold strap 30 in place so that device 10 does not slide through strap 30. There are flaps 17 positioned on guides 14 to further retain strap 30 during use. Flaps 17 press on strap 30 and prevent any sliding. Guides 14 or flaps 17 could also be equipped with teeth 19 to further increase the friction against strap 30 and further reduce any sliding.

[0021] In the relaxed state, device 10 maintains a serpentine configuration having peaks and valleys. When tension is applied, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, device 10 still maintains a somewhat serpentine configuration as it is stretched out.

[0022] FIGS. 4-6 show device 10 in its tensioned position. In this case, a force is being applied to strap 30 causing device 10 to extend, relieving the force on the strap.

[0023] In operation, for example with a dog leash, the strap of the leash is guided through the attachment device. There is no requirement for modifying the leash to use it with the attachment device. The device can be used with any strap, rope or cable, as long as the width of the strap or rope is the same as or smaller than the spacing between the longitudinal arms of the frame.

[0024] The shape and material of the attachment device allow it to absorb a sudden force applied to the other end of the leash but do not allow the leash to be quickly pulled taut. The elastomeric properties of the attachment device prevent the strap from breaking. In addition, the device can prevent the user's arm from being suddenly pulled and injured. The device can be manufactured in varying degrees of stiffness by altering the thickness of the longitudinal arms or the material, to adapt the device for various uses. In addition to use on a dog leash, the device could be used in any place where tension is applied to a strap, rope or cable. For example, the device could be used on luggage, boat moorings and lines, and golf bags and pull carts.

[0025] Accordingly, while only a single embodiment of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for attachment to a strap, comprising: a frame having two longitudinal sides and an open center, said two sides being bent in at least one area and said frame flexing under force; and a plurality of lateral guides positioned within said frame, each guide being connected to said two sides of said frame; wherein a strap is positionable within said frame by threading the strap around the guides and wherein tension on the strap causes said frame to flex.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said frame is bent in several areas and has a serpentine configuration.
 3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one flap positioned on at least one of said guides, said flap resting on a strap when a strap is threaded through the guides and preventing the strap from slipping out of the device.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is made of an elastomeric material.
 5. The device according to claim 3, wherein there are at least 2 flaps.
 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the guides have teeth to further grip a strap threaded through the device.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal sides are parallel with each other.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the guides are positioned parallel to each other.
 9. The device according to claim 4, wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of vinyl, neoprene and thermoplastic rubber. 